Taunton's AMF bowling alley shuttered

A Taunton bowling alley abruptly closed last week, leaving a note on the door to thank loyal customers, without explaining why.

Marc Larocque Enterprise Staff Writer @Enterprise_MarcStaff Reporter

TAUNTON — A Taunton bowling alley abruptly closed last week, leaving a note on the door to thank loyal customers, without explaining why.

The Taunton AMF on Winthrop Street closed for good on Thursday night with the note on the door, which thanked regulars at the bowling alley, apologized for the abruptness of the closure and provided instructions on how they could retrieve belongings that were left in lockers at the facility. The lanes closed so suddenly, even the business’s most loyal customers were left in the dark.

“To our loyal league customers, we truly thank you for your continued patronage over the years,” the message says. “If you have any personal effects stored in your locker, please email us at one of the addresses below.”

Robert Califano, a district manager for AMF, directed a media inquiry to a New York-based spokesperson for Bowlmor AMF, which claims to be the largest owner and operator of bowling venues worldwide. A representative of the company confirmed receiving the inquiry on Monday morning, but did not issue a response by press time.

A man inside of the 555 Winthrop St. building on Monday opened the door, but when asked about the closure of the bowling alley, he said, “We can’t comment.”

Outside the building, the Taunton AMF’s marquee sign has been painted black.

Paint splatters scar the cement base of the sign, at the edge of a monstrous Winthrop Street parking lot.

The white paper sign that hangs inside the glass entrance doors is the only reminder that the building was once an AMF bowling alley.

“We regret to inform you that AMF Taunton Lanes has closed its doors for business as of Thursday 8/7/14,” the message also says. “We want to thank each and every guest that has come through our doors. It has been our pleasure serving you over the years and we were honored to be part of the Taunton community. We apologize for the abrupt notice and any inconveniences this may cause.”

Large wooden shutters block some building doorways. The level-paved parking lot surface has been well maintained; clean except for the occasional flattened beer can.

Taunton’s Dan Taylor said that he grew up bowling at the Winthrop Street bowling alley, playing in leagues there for over 16 years and working six years there as his first job. Taylor, who made lifelong friends at the Taunton bowling alley, said the closure of the facility was bad news for the city.

“I’m saddened by it,” Taylor said. “I met a lot of good people there. It was a lot of fun. It was a good environment. I’m sad to hear about it.”

Taylor said that he figures that AMF Taunton Lanes was just not pulling in enough money, especially compared to other bowling alleys owned by the company. A lack of visibility for the location is a key factor, he said.

“My guess is probably weren’t doing enough business,” Taylor said. “I know from my time working there that they weren’t one of the more profitable bowling centers the AMF company had. It’s kind of a little off the beaten path, and it’s not off of a highway. I wouldn’t imagine they get as much foot traffic as other places.”

The closing of the bowling alley was also a surprise for the Special Olympics Massachusetts South Section, which has a Taunton-based bowling team for people with intellectual disabilities that was holding its weekly practice at the AMF Taunton Lanes. The former Taunton bowling alley was also the longtime home for an annual qualification round of a statewide 10-pin bowling competition for the Special Olympics Massachusetts. The event was held every January at the AMF Taunton Lanes.

“We just found out ourselves,” said Megan Hoffman, director of the Massachusetts Special Olympics South Section. “I’m not sure why. It’s unfortunate, of course. … We do have a team that practices weekly there. I haven’t talked to anybody there. I’m not sure what the plan there is yet. But hopefully the next closest bowling alley will open their doors to us for competition.”

Hoffman said she was sad to see the partnership with the AMF Taunton Lanes go away because her organization, “always had a very positive experience there,” with friendly, accommodating staff, and because bowling is one of the most popular sports in the Special Olympics Massachusetts.

Another bowling alley in the Taunton area is Ryan Family Amusements on Route 44 in Raynham. The owner of that business could not be reached for comment, but a manager confirmed that the Raynham location installed eight lanes of 10-pin bowling there about a year ago, in addition to the duck-pin bowling it has long been known for.

Debra Taylor, of Taunton, said that she has three special-needs children who have been bowling at Taunton AMF Lanes since 1991. Debra Taylor said the news was “devastating” for her kids, because bowling was so important to them, it was close to home and it was enjoyed my many of their peers.

“It was not just the fun and exercise, but also the socialization,” Debra Taylor said.

Sean Fahey, of Taunton, said there aren’t enough “hardcore” bowlers around nowadays to keep the business open.

“Bowling alleys like AMF are being replaced by places like the Charlie Horse and Kings,” Fahey said. “The younger generation wants things to be a night out. So that means drinks, lights and music. While AMF had tried those things, they were never particularly good at them.”

In addition to the note on the door, AMF also released a message on the former Taunton bowling alley’s website.

“We’re sorry to say that AMF Taunton Lanes has closed,” it says. “But we encourage you to keep the ball rolling with us by visiting AMF Holiday Lanes (in Somerset). … Thank you for your patronage and support over the years. We hope to see you back on the lanes.”